Kui kosmoselaevadel on ablatiivne kuumuskaitse, siis katavad süstiklaeva ainulaadsed kuumuskindlad keraamilistest ja süsiniksarrustatud materjalidest plaadid.
The primary function of a thermal protection system (TPS) is to keep the underlying structure within acceptable temperature limits and maintain the aerodynamic shape of the vehicle without excessive deformation (thermal bowing and bending due to pressure loads). TPS must not only provide thermal protection as well as structure load-bearing capabilities, but also be robust, durable and easily maintained.
